2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception
The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.
Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.
Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.
A Pattern of Key Hires
This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.
Here is the complete message from the president's communication:
Dear Team—
I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”
With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.
The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.
Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.
David
Background of the Incoming Head
The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Information and Vision
The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."
"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."
The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.
